ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet
Cabinet approves revalidation of permission to raise Extra Budgetary Resource  of Rs. 660 crore as Government of India Bonds by Inland Waterways Authority of India  in 2017-18
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Revalidation of permission to raise Extra Budgetary Resource  of Rs. 660 crore as Government of India Bonds by Inland Waterways Authority of India  in 2017-18.
The proceeds from the bonds will be utilized by IWAI for development and maintenance of National Waterways  under National Waterways Act, 2016 . Funds received through issue of bonds will be used exclusively for capital expenditure to improve infrastructure funding.
Modalities
The investment to be undertaken for development of NWs on identified projects in 2017-18 is estimated to be approximately Rs. 2412.50 crore. The World Bank has sanctioned a loan of USD 375 million for Jal Marg Vikas Project  on 12.04.2017. During 2017-18, out of estimated expenditure of Rs.1715 crore for JMVP, it is expected that the World Bank would remit a loan amount of Rs. 857.50 crore. Accordingly, the total requirement of funds in 2017-18 is Rs. 2412.50 crore. During the year 2016-17, IWAI was allocated a sum of Rs. 296.60 crore for creation of capital assets which has been reduced to Rs.228 crore in BE, 2017-18. Raising bonds is intended to bridge this gap.
The principal and interest in respect of the EBRs worth Rs. 660 crore shall be financed by the Government of India by making suitable budgetary provisions in the Demand of the Ministry of Shipping to meet the bond servicing requirements as and when the need arises. The interest payment will be on semi-annual basis and the principal on maturity.
The whole exercise would be undertaken by IWAI through appointment of lead managers and coordination with SEBI. Funds will be released in 02 tranches keeping the size to get attractive yield from the borrowers. Borrowing in the last quarter of the year 2017-18, especially during the last two months of the year 2017-18 would be avoided.
Background:
Gross budgetary support from the Government of India and external financial support for funding development and maintenance of 106 new National Waterways under National Waterway Act, 2016, is grossly inadequate. There is, therefore, dire need for revalidation of permission to raise EBRs of balance amount of Rs 660 crore .
In his budget speech, 2016-17, the Hon'ble Finance Minister announced as under:
"To augment infrastructure funding further, Government will permit mobilization of additional finances to the extent of Rs. 31.300 crore by NHAI, RFC, REG, IREDA, NABARD and IWAI through raising bonds during 2016-17."
In accordance with this announcement, IWAI was allowed to issue infrastructure bonds worth Rs.1000 crore for the first time during 2016-17. As it was their maiden effort, they could succeed to raise Rs.340 crore on 01.03.2017 through e-bidding for development of inland waterways and shipping infrastructure during 2016-17 at coupon rate of 7.9 per cent.
Vice President's Secretariat
Teach our Children traditions and rich cultural heritage: Vice President Meets School Children from various Schools
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that we should teach our traditions, our rich cultural heritage to Children so that our cultural heritage is protected. He was interacting with the School Children from various Schools from Delhi who called on him to greet him on the Independence Day, here today.
The Vice President said that Children are future of our nation and they should be given good education as well as good conduct. He further said that we should also teach about sacrifices made by our great leaders for Freedom which will be a tribute to those great leaders.
The Vice President said that Children should be made to remember Mother, Mother tongue, Motherland and Birth place. He further said that we should also make our Children to speak only in Mother tongue at home. We should imbibe the feeling of first we are Indians, then we are others, he added.
The Vice President said that we should teach our Children to Respect Nature and Live with Nature. We should make them understand Nature and Culture together for Better Future which is important in everyone's life, he added.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Status of Green National Highway Corridor Project
The Government had signed loan agreement with the World Bank to develop Green National Highway Corridors . The project include Upgradation of about 781 km length of various National Highways passing through the states of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Out of total length of 781 km, work on 287.96 km having Civil Cost of Rs. 1664.44 cr. has been awarded. The schedule date of completion is December, 2025.
This information was given by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
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Vice President's Secretariat
Indians in USA should not forget their spiritual and cultural roots: Vice President
Contribute your mite towards building a new and resurgent India;
Addresses members of different Telugu Association based in USA
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has advised the Indian diaspora not to forget their spiritual and cultural roots and contribute their mite towards building a new and resurgent India. He was addressing the members of 21 Telugu Associations based in USA, in Chicago, USA today. The Ambassador of India to USA, Shri Navtej Sarna and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Vice President asked them to uphold India’s core values and beliefs of sharing, caring and treating the entire world as ‘One Family’ - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Pointing out that India is the spiritual capital of the world, he said India was one of the oldest surviving civilizations and recalled the invaluable contribution made by Indians over the centuries in different fields from zero to Yoga.
The Vice President said that never forget or neglect your mother tongue, native village, motherland, parents and the Guru, who is responsible for your success, he told them. Those who want to move ahead in life should never forget their past, he added.
While complimenting the Telugu community for their contribution to the progress of America, the Vice President observed that it was a matter of pride that many Telugus are occupying high positions in different fields.
While accepting and assimilating the best practices from elsewhere in the world, he asked them to always remain rooted to India’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. We need to celebrate our festivals and uphold our customs, he said. At the same time, the Telugus and other Indians in the USA served as a bridge in strengthening the ties between India and America. People-to-people contacts were essential to strengthen the bonds of friendship, he added.
Referring to India’s emergence as the fastest growing economy, he said the world was looking towards India which is moving on the trajectory to become one of the top global economies in the next 10-15 years. “I would like all of you to join in fast-tracking India’s growth story,” he said.
Observing that about 32 million Indians and Persons of Indian Origin were living across the globe, he told the overseas Telugus to always strive to enhance the image of India and Indians. He also appealed to them to adopt villages in their native districts and help in developing them into model villages.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Continuing its push towards controlling Industrial Pollution, CAQM directs industries located in NCR of Haryana, U.P. and Rajasthan to switch to PNG or Biomass Fuel;
Switchover to be completed by 30.09.2022, failing which industries using other polluting fuels, shall be closed;
The decision taken after detailed interaction with organizations, associations, entities and State Governments;
Industries running on coal if shifted to PNG or biomass fuels in conjunction with Air Pollution Control Devices, would show a remarkable decline in stubble burning across the region, besides an anticipated improvement in AQI of NCR;
Large-scale usage of biomass as fuel in industrial operations would provide less polluting fuels for industrial operations and economic value to the farmers
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas  has directed the industries located in NCR of Haryana, U.P. and Rajasthan which, despite the availability of natural gas infrastructure and supply have still not shifted to PNG/ cleaner fuels, to switch to PNG or Biomass Fuel. As per the Commission’s Directions: -
- Industries located in the NCR of Haryana, U. P. and Rajasthan shall completely switch over to PNG or biomass fuels, by 30.09.2022.
- Non-switchover shall result in closure of industries using other fuels.
- Till such time the transition to fuels as above is effected, such industries shall use only fuels as approved by the respective State Governments for industrial operations.
- Industries in the jurisdiction of GNCTD have already been shifted to cleaner fuel mainly PNG.
This decision of the Commission has been taken after soliciting views from different Organizations, Associations, Entities and State Governments. Various organizations/ associations/ entities made their submissions/ represented to the Commission. A large number of associations, federations and individuals submitted before the Commission their requests for permitting use of biomass fuels in addition to PNG, citing that biomass-based fuels are much more environment friendly than fossil fuels like HSD and Coal, etc. in terms of carbon emissions.
The emissions from industries using polluting fuels like coal, diesel, etc., create an adverse impact on air quality in the NCR and shifting of industries to PNG/cleaner fuels has always been a priority for CAQM. Apart from that, open burning of biomass is also one of the major causes for air pollution in NCR. Through enhanced usage of biomass as fuel in industrial operations in the NCR, Commission is primarily focused on controlling the issue of biomass burning. This will not only help in minimizing the usage of polluting fuel in NCR industries but also enhance farmers’ earnings, while ensuring proper utilization of biomass.
All industries in the NCR running on coal if shifted to PNG or biomass fuels in conjunction with Air Pollution Control Devices , would result in a remarkable decline in biomass burning across different regions of NCR and adjoining areas, thereby improving the air quality.
Cabinet
LIC to acquire controlling stake of IDBI Bank
Cabinet approves dilution of Government shareholding below 50%
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approvedconveying of no objection to reduction in Government of India shareholding in IDBI Bank Limited to below 50% by dilution. It has also approved acquisition of controlling stake by Life Insurance Corporation of India  as promoter in the bank through preferential allotment / open offer of equity, and relinquishment of management control by the Government in the bank.
Impact:
- The acquisition has wide-ranging synergy benefits for customers, LIC and the bank.
- Benefits to the two entities emanate from economies of scale, reduction in the costs of distribution and customer acquisition, greater efficiency and flexibility in operations, and greater opportunity for cross-selling of products and services.
- These would help financially strengthen both LIC and the bank, as well as their subsidiaries which offer financial products such as housing finance and mutual funds.
- Further, the bank would get an opportunity to tap 11 lakh LIC agents for doorstep banking services, positioning it to improve customer services and deepen financial inclusion.
- The bank would also be positioned to benefit in terms of lower cost of funds through acquisition of low-cost deposits, and fee income from payment services.
- LIC would get bancassurance  through the bank's network of 1,916 branches, besides access to bank's cash management services.
- Further, LIC would gain in terms of furthering the realisation of its vision of becoming a financial conglomerate.
- Customers too would benefit through wider offerings of financial services under one roof, and LIC being better positioned to expand life insurance coverage.
Background:
In 2016, the Finance Minister, in his Budget Speech announced that the process of transformation of IDBI Bank has started and that Government will take it forward and also consider the option of reducing its stake below 50%. Taking note of this announcement, with the approval of its Board, LIC sought permission of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India  for acquiring controlling stake in IDBI Bank. After receipt of IRDAI's permission and carrying out diligence, LIC expressed its interest in acquiring 51% controlling stake to IDBI Bank. The bank in turn, after consideration of this offer by its Board, sought Government's decision in the context of Government's stake coming down below 51% as a result of the proposed acquisition.
Ministry of Defence
Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations at Indira Point
Key highlights:
- Andaman & Nicobar Command personnel hoist National Flag to mark 50th year of India’s victory in 1971 war
- Indira Point is the southernmost tip of the country
- Victory Flame was on a voyage to Nicobar Group of Islands
- Now begins its journey to the mainland
The Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame was taken to Indira Point, the southernmost tip of the country on August 22, 2021, as part of its voyage to the Nicobar Group of Islands. The Armed Forces personnel from Andaman & Nicobar Command hoisted the National Flag and collected the soil from the location to mark the momentous occasion.
The Victory Flame has now begun its journey back to Port Blair for a befitting farewell before its onward journey to the mainland. The journey of the Victory Flame, north to south, spanning the entire Andaman and Nicobar chain of Islands commemorates the spirit of Swarnim Vijay Varsh. 2021 is being celebrated as Swarnim Vijay Varsh to mark the 50th year of India’s historic victory in the 1971 war.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy
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Ministry of Defence
DRDO launches Aazadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence
Activities focusing on nation building and achieving self-reliance to be organised in next 75 weeks
Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation  Dr G Satheesh Reddy launched Aazadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav at DRDO Bhawan on March 12, 2021. Directors General, DRDO scientists and other officers attended the event virtually from all major centres including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Tejpur and Visakhapatnam.
Aazadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav has been organised to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence and will be celebrated for 75 weeks starting from March 12, 2021 with various themes. Efforts of DRDO will primarily focus on the theme ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ and the announcements made will be in the direction of realizing that vision. DRDO will celebrate the Mahotsav throughout the 75 weeks by conducting various activities in the direction of nation building, achieving self reliance, encouraging scientific innovations, developing human resources and host of other related topics.
During the Mahotsav, DRDO will work with renewed energy to accomplish the goals set by Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO under the vision of the Prime Minister. Chairman DRDO called upon DRDO fraternity to put special efforts to further support the industry and academia. DRDO will work along with them to achieve the goals of Mahotsav in various ways.
DRDO plans to enhance handholding of startups through incubation centres for technology development. Technology proposals from various industries will be processed under the Technology Development Fund  scheme in larger numbers. Number of Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technologies  will be increased to greater than 100. ToT to local industry for potable water in North Eastern Regions, Interactions/visits by DRDO scientists to various industries, filing of patents and reaching out to foreign countries to promote export of DRDO products have also been planned in a bigger way over the entire duration of the Mahotsav.
In order to promote greater collaboration with the academia, wide variety of activities have been planned such as providing new challenges to academic institutes, increasing internship to students and providing apprenticeships to students in DRDO laboratories/centres. Besides, PhD students will be enrolled in DRDO laboratories on various defence related topics. More importance will be given to publication of scientific research papers and defence related articles in regional languages. Organising of courses and seminars on defence related areas in Universities/Institutions has also been planned on a larger scale. For encouraging skill development, many Certificate courses have been planned for students in advanced futuristic technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.
In addition to these, special activities like exhibitions, short films, documentaries, carrying out plantations on a large scale, have been planned.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 491
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 192.26 Crore
More than 12lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 192.26Crore today. More than12lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10406505
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10034222
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
5105200
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18418198
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17573554
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
8383617
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
32837038
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
13998511
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
59181090
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
44784320
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
556843965
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
487096613
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
582878
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
203194032
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
190183364
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1171926
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127051745
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
118576879
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
17266020
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
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|
1007932573
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
882247463
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
32509641
|
|
Total
|
|
1922689677
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
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|
Date: 21st May, 2022 
|
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HCWs
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|
1st Dose
|
|
54
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
594
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
12456
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
76
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1105
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
42276
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
146239
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
268295
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
26573
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
99735
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
30481
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
287438
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
40761
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5582
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
64755
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
32405
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
4783
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
43482
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
155127
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
213788
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
765404
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
283025
|
|
Total
|
|
1262217
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
SEEKHO AUR KAMAO SCHEME
The Ministry of Minority Affairs implemented ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’ scheme  for the benefit of six  notified minority communities, that targeted to upgrade the skills of minority youth  in various modern/ traditional skills depending upon their qualification, prevailing economic trends, and market potential, that could earn them
suitable employment or make them suitably skilled to take up self-employment. 33% of total allocation was also earmarked for female beneficiaries. The scheme was implemented by the Ministry through empanelled Project Implementing Agencies .
Since inception, about 4.68 lakh beneficiaries have been trained under the scheme, out of which about 2.28 lakh beneficiarieshave been reported as placed under various sectors as per the data available on the SAK portal. Reporting of placement data in the scheme is an ongoing activity and is updated by the PIAs from time to time.Before releasing the final installment of funds to the PIAs, it is ensured that the PIAs have achieved the mandated placement as per the scheme guidelines. SAK scheme has now been converged as a component of an integrated scheme called ‘Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan’ (PM
VIKAS) for minority communities focusing on skill development; entrepreneurship and leadership of minority women; and education support for school dropouts.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President's message on the eve of Easter
Following is the full text of the Vice President's message on the eve of Easter-
"I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Easter which marks the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.
Revered as the savior of mankind, Jesus Christ illuminated a path of salvation for humanity through love, peace, compassion and forgiveness.
Let us celebrate Easter by being compassionate towards all human beings. May this festival bring good health, peace and harmony in our lives."
Following is the Hindi version of the message-
"भगवान ईसा मसीह के पुनरूज्जीवन दिवस के प्रतीक, 'ईस्टर' के पावन अवसर पर मैं अपने सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं देता हूँ।
मानवता के उद्धारक के रूप में परम पूजनीय ईसा मसीह ने प्रेम, शांति करूणा और क्षमा के माध्यम से मानवता की मुक्ति के पथ को आलोकित किया।
आइए, हम सभी मनुष्यों के प्रति दयालु बनकर 'ईस्टर' के पर्व को मनाएं। मैं कामना करता हूँ कि यह त्यौहार हमारे जीवन में स्वास्थ्य, शांति और समरसता लेकर आए।"
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence signs contract worth ₹ 423 Cr with US for procurement of Arms for Indian Navy
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract on 21 October 2021 with the US Government under Foreign Military Sale  for procurement of MK 54 Torpedo and Expendable  for the Indian Navy at a cost of ₹ 423 Crores.
These weapons are the outfit of P-8I Aircraft which is used for Long range Maritime Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare .
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Ministry of Education
No directive to restrict choice of subjects for research;
Government believes in the principle of freedom in research
The Ministry of Human Resource Development has not issued any directive to restrict choice of subjects for research, as has been reported in a section of media since the Government believes in the principle of freedom in research.
Last year, there was a meeting of Vice Chancellors of 11 Central Universities, which were lacking in research. In the said meeting they presented a road map to improve research and also discussed the issue of more research on issues relating to national priorities. The minutes of the meeting were recorded.
The Government has given impetus to improve and expand research facilities. The Government has provided Rs 480 crore for Social Science Research Project under Impactful Policy Research in Social Sciences ; Rs 225 Crore for research in basic sciences; Rs 1000 crore under Impacting Research, Innovation and Technology  for technology related research; Rs 450 crore under STRIDE for research in Humanities; and Rs 480 crore under Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration  for joint research with foreign universities in any discipline.